Because of the tragic circumstances surrounding the COVID -19, and many people spending most of their time at home, most of us have had our mental health damaged. We must prioritize our mental health. We must make an extra effort to look for ourselves and our loved ones, particularly during a global pandemic. Living near green spaces and spending as much time in nature as possible has been shown to increase mood, reduce stress, improve cognitive abilities, and promote general health in people of all ages.
The use of smartphones and social media is acknowledged to have produced a significant deal of stress in the modern world, and many people find it difficult to manage the tension that comes with it. This research looked into the mental and physiological benefits of interacting with indoor plants. According to the study findings, the subjects felt more at ease, calmed, and natural following the plant-related work than they did after the computer task. The data also revealed that the sympathetic nervous system’s activity rose overtime throughout the computer task but reduced at the end of the plant-related task. Also, Read: Benefits of Positive Thinking on Health
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Mental Health Benefits of Indoor Plants
1. Anxiety and Despair can be Alleviated by Plants
A bacterium called Mycobacterium vaccae was discovered in plant soil in 2007 that causes the release of serotonin, which improves mood and reduces anxiety. As a result, interacting with indoor or outdoor plants can help to ease depressive symptoms.
2. Indoor Plants can Help you Become more Productive and Creative
Many plant-related research investigations have revealed that respondents’ creativity levels have increased at school and at work. The findings of such studies acknowledge the link between the environment and overall health. Plants can provide similar benefits at home, such as lowering stress levels, improving concentration, and igniting creativity. Also, Read: All About the Types of Motivation in Psychology
3. Improve the Air Quality Within the Home
Plants not only help your mental health, but they also make your environment look better. They improve the quality of the air. Plants, for example, can contribute moisture to the air, which is beneficial during the dry winter months.
4. Houseplants Provide a Flavor of the Outdoors
Through the physical care of house plants, we are reminded of our connection to nature. Taking care of houseplants and trimming, touching, and smelling them has the same relaxing and stress-relieving effects as spending time in a forest.
5. Improved Memory and Concentration
Study results suggest that spending time outside in the presence of plants improves memory recall by up to 20%. Plants are good for relaxation. It’s easier to focus on a specific activity when you’re surrounded by plants.
Children and pets should be allowed access to plants that are suitable for indoor use. There is no complete list of toxic plants since some plants have both dangerous and entirely safe parts. If your children or pets might get a hold of a plant, take it to a trusted source before bringing it home. Local extension services and poison control centers may provide a list of hazardous plants in your area. There are numerous advantages to having plants in your house or office (or home office), but there are also some risks. Consider these factors while deciding whether or not to create an indoor garden.
Be on the Lookout for Pest Infestations
Houseplants can act as a Trojan horse for insects, molds, and other pests. Repotting a plant with garden dirt is not a good idea. When choosing plants, pay attention to their watering needs, since overwatering can encourage mold growth and fungus gnats. To prevent an infestation, check leaves for signs of pest infestation .
